You know better than to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol, but did you know that you can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if you ride a bicycle while intoxicated? You must also be sober when operating a golf cart, scooter or motorcycle.

Some states allow bike enthusiasts to ride after drinking alcohol, but under Colorado law, bicyclists are subject to the exact same laws as motorists. That means if you are cycling with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .05 percent or higher, you can be charged with driving while ability impaired (DWAI). A BAC of .08 percent or higher puts you at risk of incurring a DUI charge.

According to local news outlet Westword, Denver began enforcing drunk cycling laws in 2012, after an accident involving an allegedly intoxicated bicyclist and a scooter driver. The latter was charged with DUI but the former was not. The scooter driver complained, prompting the change in city policy.

"Looking into it, I didn't have a sufficient reason as to why we weren't [charging intoxicated cyclists]," Denver police Lt. Rob Rock told local TV news affiliate CBS-4. "That's why we took steps with the Denver [District Attorney's] office to rectify that policy."

Rock told the outlet that the number of serious cycling crashes had started to go up as more people began biking regularly around the city.

If you are ever accused of DUI or another criminal traffic offense, remember that the decision to hire an experienced Colorado DUI attorney to represent your legal interests could greatly influence the penalties you ultimately face. Call The Orr Law Firm to schedule an initial consultation today.

Rhidian is a very effective defense attorney whom I would highly recommend. He was very thorough, personally spending a significant amount of time on my case. Due to his in depth knowledge of the law and his detailed review of my case, he was able to discover several procedural errors. He presented these facts in a professional manner at my hearing...
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If you or someone you know was recently arrested for drunk driving, driving under the influence (DUI), or driving while ability impaired (DWAI), then it could mean serious consequences for the arrested individual’s future. What you do in the first seven (7) days after your DUI arrest is critical in protecting your rights and your privilege to drive. By working with a Colorado DUI attorney, you are working to make sure that not only are you able to make amends for your choices, but that you are able to protect your rights and minimize the impact this charge has on your life. Here are some reasons to seek the counsel of a DUI defense firm after you have been arrested for DUI.

As soon as you’re arrested, law officials will be recording your statements and answers to questions. As your Miranda rights state, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. A DUI lawyer will guide you on what to say and what not to say in order to ensure that your defense is strong.

A qualified DUI lawyer has created a wealth of professional expertise through years of academic studying and practical application. An experienced and knowledgeable lawyer will be able to guide you through the details of federal, state, and local laws and how they will impact your case, and ultimately, you.

While many people may attempt do-it-yourself legal work when completing small tasks, when you’ve been arrested for a criminal charge like a DUI, you probably want to minimize your risks. DUIs are lifetime offenses in Colorado and finding the right DUI lawyer to represent you is critical in protecting your rights. An experienced DUI lawyer can investigate and attack any errors in your BAC testing, challenging field sobriety tests to exploit issues with any test results.

To take advantage of an experienced DUI defense team in Denver and Colorado, call The Orr Law Firm LLC. We focus exclusively on DUI defense cases and believe in offering high-quality representation to every client. Call us today at (720) 279-9588.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.

As you begin to pack your bags and load the car for the long, holiday weekend, the Colorado Department of Transportation is also sending out its troops to begin cracking down on DUI. The Colorado DOT reports that “over 100 law enforcement agencies and Colorado State Patrol troops [will be] hitting roadways with increased DUI patrols and sobriety checkpoints.” During Independence Day weekend last year, the DOT reveals, “half of the 10 traffic fatalities that occurred in the state involved alcohol, and 620 drivers were arrested for DUI.”

This holiday weekend, celebrate responsibly by taking precautions to stay safe on the road and off. Here are some July 4th safety tips to help you celebrate Independence Day without ending the weekend in handcuffs:

Check your Vehicle’s Maintenance: Before you head for the highways, check to see that your car is in the right condition to make a long drive. Monitor tire pressure, put proof of car insurance in the glove compartment, and pack jumper cables in case your car battery dies. And don’t forget to buckle up before you hit the road.

Plan Ahead: During the holiday weekend, you’ll likely encounter heavy traffic, road blocks, and detours. Plan your trip ahead of time so you don’t feel the need to rush to your destination. CO Trip, a service of the Colorado DOT, provides information on the latest road conditions, closures, and traffic conditions.

Don’t Drink and Drive: Whether in the backyard, bar, or on a boat, do not mix drinking and driving. Drunk driving is never safe, but given the increased amount of alcohol and people traveling this holiday weekend, take the extra measure of putting sober friends' and cab company phone numbers on speed dial.

The Colorado DOT also provides free online and smart phone resources to help you monitor your BAC level, contact a cab company, and get home safely.

To take advantage of the best DUI defense team in Denver and Colorado, call The Orr Law Firm LLC. We focus exclusively on DUI defense cases and believe in offering high-quality representation to every client. Call us today at (720) 279-9588.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.

It can be easy to forget that driving is a privilege, and it can make for a rude awakening when you or someone you know faces the threat of having their driving privileges taken away. If you have been arrested for or charged with drunk or reckless driving, DUI, DWAI, or repeatedly violating traffic safety, you run the risk of having your license suspended. Protect yourself and your ability to drive with some these driving safety suggestions:

Don’t Get Tickets: Driving irresponsibly can be a crime. If you’ve established a bad habit of driving recklessly, make a conscious choice and effort to change. Obey speed limits and stop signs, and start adapting a “safety-first” mindset.

Don’t Drink and Drive: Whether or not you are facing a DUI charge or arrest, getting pulled over with any amount of alcohol in your system can have serious consequences. Always err on the side of safety: designate a sober driver, call a friend, or hail a cab home if you’ve had a drink.

Do Cooperate. When pulled over, drivers can be rude and abrasive in their interactions with law enforcement officials. While you do have the right to deny a field sobriety test, also show respect and be polite. If you want to refuse something, simply state that you respectfully refuse to answer questions on advice of counsel.

Do Hire a Good Attorney. An experienced, knowledgeable, and reputable DUI attorney can help you take action and defend yourself against a DUI conviction. A solid DUI defense may mean the difference between severe consequences -- possibly jail time-- and more mild repercussions.

Do Try to Understand the Law: There are plenty of online and in-person resources available that can help you translate complicated legal jargon into information you can understand. Take advantage of these free resources, and, if you have hired one, talk to your lawyer about your questions and concerns.

To take advantage of the best DUI defense team in Denver and Colorado, call The Orr Law Firm LLC. We focus exclusively on DUI defense cases and believe in offering high-quality representation to every client. Call us today at (720) 279-9588.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.